India is enhancing warship exports to revamp its shipbuilding industry. The Ministry of Defense is expanding facilities in state-owned shipyards like Mazagon Dock and Garden Reach. This aligns with the SAGAR vision, fostering maritime ties with countries like Sri Lanka and Vietnam, while aiming to improve construction efficiency against competitors.
On December 12, U.S. authorities seized the M/T Skipper off Venezuela’s coast, shortly before a court-issued warrant expired. This operation underscores U.S. sanctions against Venezuelan oil, enforcing measures initiated in 2019. The seizure has heightened tensions between Washington and Caracas, with plans for further interceptions of sanctioned oil shipments.
Libyan oil exports are at a standstill due to a political standoff over the central bank and oil revenues. Despite this, some tankers have been authorized to load crude from storage facilities. The dispute, triggered by an attempt to overthrow the bank’s head, has significantly reduced oil production. Efforts are being made to resolve the issue, but disruptions in exports are likely to continue.
